Edwardian Charm - Edwardian English 9K Gold Rhodolite Garnet 'Three Leaf Clover' Black Velvet Choker Necklace (EDN023)

Edwardian Charm - Edwardian English 9K Gold Rhodolite Garnet 'Three Leaf Clover' Black Velvet Choker Necklace. This charming choker is crafted from 9K gold, hallmarked 9ct (British Hallmark) and black velvet. Featuring one natural round cut  rhodolite garnet gemstone , Edwardian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This lovely choker is comprised of a brooch, which can be worn on the choker or on its own. The pretty brooch is made in the form of a three leaf clover, which exhibits exquisite detail and a hand-set pinkish/red rhodolite garnet gemstone. The brooch has a pin at the back and its original 'C' clasp. This wonderful Edwardian era choker is so versatile, therefore it can be worn so many different ways as a choker or a brooch.

History: Rhodolite garnet is a variety that is intermediate in composition between almandine and pyrope and is typically pink to purplish-red in color. These raspberry pink garnets were found in North Carolina in the late 1800sand were named rhodolite because the color resembled the blossoms of the local rhododendron plant.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

Where did velvet originate? The first velvet appeared in ancient Egypt and China, dating back to 2000 BC. The fabric was traded along the famous Silk Road to medieval Europe from the 1300s onwards. In Europe itself the cities of Venice and Genoa in Italy were some of the first to produce velvet. 

The history of chokers stretches back beyond the 1990s, to at least 2500 BC. Sumerian jewellers were crafting chokers thousands of years before they became a part of the youth sub-culture. Furthermore, almost all of the earliest civilizations on the planet wore chokers as a part of their cultural identity.

While trying to convert the Irish into Christians, St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the holy trinity with each leaf representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three leaves of a shamrock are also said to stand for faith, hope and love.

In the United Kingdom, the Edwardian era was a period in the early 20th century, that spanned the reign of Edward VII from 1901 to 1910. Wikipedia

Measurements: Brooch 41.00 mm x 9.50 mm     Choker 31 3/4 " (adjustable) to your desired length. 

Stone Size: Rhodolite Garnet .13 carats 

Weight: 3.80 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England 

Date: Circa 1910